The accident occurred in Batkinala, a remote village in Abbottabad district, when 11 mine workers, including two owners, were buried alive as a heavy mass of the phosphate mine fell on them. They were reportedly having lunch at the mouth of the mine, sources said.

Attempts to launch a rescue operation were made as soon as villagers contacted police and district administration officials, but the mine is located at a steep point which is inaccessible by land.

A rescue operation was carried out by the Rescue 1122 team and Pakistan Army personnel. Residents also helped carrying out the rescue operation.

Sniffer dogs were also used to find the bodies.

DCO Abbottabad Imtiaz Hussain confirmed that 11 mine workers had died. He said they were working on a private mine, which was not managed by the mineral department.